The full beard helps to identify this figure as Laozi (also known as the Celestial Worthy of the Way and Its Virtue), the author of the seminal Daoist text the Daodejing (The Way and Its Power). Daoism, a term used to define an amalgamation of beliefs and practices that includes metaphysical and philosophical speculations as well as more mundane attempts to achieve immortality, can be traced to the sixth century B.C. and the writings of the quasi-historical Laozi.

Inscription: On the underside of the front section of the robe is a long inscription, which has not been totally erased. The name of the donor is no longer legible, but the place name, the maker and date can all be read.